by LAURA HARNER
After settling Annie back in her bed, Grant made his way to the kitchen, heading straight for the coffee pot. Although she would now remain asleep through the rest of the night, he was wide-awake. Now the reruns and recriminations could begin. Despite the counselor's reassurances that Annie's dreams were normal, given what she'd been through, Grant was still struggling to prevent his anxiety from creeping in and taking over his own life.
It had been nearly a week since they'd returned to Phoenix, but they still hadn't returned home. Enwright had put them in a three-bedroom casita on his extensive estate, the top-notch security an absolute barrier to the press, while the police completed their investigation. He'd needed to know the evidence proved to everyone's satisfaction that the nightmare was truly over. In his effort to protect his daughter, he'd ended up keeping the two of them in near isolation. In that time, Grant had become truly expert at second-guessing every decision, every life choice he'd ever made.
When he wasn't worrying about Annie, he was consumed with guilt for leaving RJ and Patti behind to deal with the fallout of the investigation. He'd heard enough from the cops and Enwright's people to know both of them had faced some serious questions about the shooting. Especially Patti because of her law enforcement background. Toss in the apparently “stable” school administrator and the death of the two high school boys, and this was a movie-of the-week waiting to happen. Was it any wonder he hadn’t heard from Patti or RJ?
Despite his inner turmoil, when he looked at the situation objectively, he couldn't blame either of them for moving on with their own lives after the horror of their few days together. It certainly wasn’t what any of them had signed on for. They'd been friends a decade earlier and that didn't necessarily equate to friends now. And in a way, Grant had been the one to break the thin thread of a promise that had bound them all together. After all, they'd only promised to meet up and try again if they were all single. Technically, he might still be single, but you didn't get any more committed than having a child. A child he loved beyond anything thing he could have believed possible. And yet…
Patti and RJ… No matter how he looked at his situation, every minute he'd been with them, during the blackest moments of his life or in the brief family time they'd spent in Sedona…he could easily admit to himself that he'd truly felt alive. Without a doubt, he was in love with two people.
Blowing out a breath, Grant sipped his coffee and tried to set emotion aside and look at the situation reasonably as Gabe had suggested during his visit yesterday.
“Grant, I know you're worried, but unless you get a hold of your emotions, it's quite possible you're feeding into Annie's anxieties. It's likely not just the kidnapping, but the uncertainty about your future.”
The words had carried the force of a blow, knocking him back, and nearly shutting his brain down at the thought of his selfishness. Wallowing in self-pity wasn't going to do a damn thing. He just wasn't sure what to do about the situation. Gabe's words echoed once again:
“I don't know RJ, but I do know Patti. If she thought for one second that you wanted her, she would be here. So I'm going to guess that you haven't talked to either of them since the night of the shooting.”
He'd shaken his head, unable to speak.
“Have you thought that maybe the reason you’re struggling is because the decisions you're wrestling with aren't yours to make alone? Maybe Patti and RJ should be involved in the discussion, instead of you trying to work it all out in your head.”
And wasn't that just the truth of the matter? Grant needed something from the two of them and it had nothing to do with money or job security and everything to do with love. Now, the question remained…what, if anything, was he prepared to do about it? Was following his heart the right thing to do for Annie…for all of them as Gabe had implied?
With a quick glance at the clock, he realized morning had come, and it was time to get Annie ready to go. He'd promised Gabe to do something with her today just for the fun of it, so they were headed to Flagstaff for a Enwright Security company picnic. But when they got home? Yeah, it was time to make a couple of phone calls and see if he couldn't convince his lovers to give him another chance.
That time they’d spent together in Sedona hadn’t been a fluke. Annie needed all her family with her, and so did Grant. Families needed to stick together. It was time.
****
RJ faced the long, low building that looked more like a hangar than an office building. Not a stretch, since the runway of the Deer Valley Airport was visible on the other side of the structure. The drone of small engines drifted on the heated breeze as he stood watching a small plane do a touch and go, barely skimming the asphalt before lifting to the sky once more.
Once again returning his attention to the purpose of his visit, he glanced at the small copper sign affixed to a panel beside the front door. This was indeed the home of Enwright Security. The glass doors slid open soundlessly when he approached, and then a second set opened to the main lobby—keeping the hot air out and the cool air in.
The space was large and airy, with a polished concrete floor, and several couches and chairs arranged into conversational groupings. A young man with a clipboard and a purpose strode in his direction.
“Dr. Mendez?” the man asked. RJ blinked. Jesus, not a man. A kid. At least he hoped like hell this was a high school intern and not another one of the new generation of gamers taking over his profession. Not that he had anything against the innovations they brought to the field, but Christ they made him feel old. Shaking off yet another round of self-pity, RJ worked up a smile and stuck out his hand.
“Yes. Please, call me RJ.”
“Oh. Yes, thank you. I'm Justin Mauer. I'm an intern, and I'm working reception this week. Follow me, Mr. Enwright is expecting you.” The boy spoke with all the enthusiasm of a new puppy, and RJ wondered if he should have patted his head rather than shook his hand.
They moved through the lobby, skirting the plants and furniture, then through a set of doors that required a scan of Justin's palm before the lock released.
Justin's voice lowered conspiratorially. “Mr. Enwright works down here instead of in the executive wing. Everyone says it's because he'd rather be closer to the lab rats.”
RJ scowled. “Really? I imagine it's the lab rats who keep this company running.”
“Oh. Yes. Yes, sir, no offense. Are you a—” Justin broke off, the flush going clear to the roots of his blond hair.
“Lab rat? You might say that.”
A door opened to his left and a tall, dark-haired man stepped out.
“RJ, it's good to see you again. I see you found the place. That will be all, Justin.”
Neither man spoke as they watched the intern scuttle away, then Michael waved RJ inside a large office and closed them inside. The first thing he noticed was the light, the second was its source. The entire back wall was floor to ceiling window with a nearly unobstructed view of the runway. It took a moment to realize they were probably half a mile back and located on the other side of the airport security fence, but—
“Damn! this is cool,” RJ said as he made his way uninvited to stare out the window. “This place is nothing like the corporate offices I was expecting. And I did my research…is the website a decoy?”
“Not at all. We have offices in downtown Phoenix, which are more convenient for many of our corporate clients. This location is relatively new for us. The price was right and the location ideal for those of us living in the north side of the valley. Employees can work from either location.”
“Not to mention the cool view,” RJ grinned.
“Exactly!” Michael led them away from the window and indicated RJ should sit at the conference table. “Help yourself if you want some coffee,” he said, pointing to the carafe and cups.
RJ shook his head. “I think I'm probably wound up enough over this interview,” he admitted. “And I need to thank you for everything your staff has done to help me after the shooting.”
Michael sat back and studied him for a minute before speaking. “The shooting is not related to this discussion. And you're a cut-to-the-chase kind of man, hmm? I can appreciate that. Let's not play games. I know of the work you've done with Marker…although how you could tolerate working so many years for such a sanctimonious bigot is beyond me…” Michael paused, his silence begging an explanation.
“I was unaware of his politics until I was locked into a contract through his tuition program.” RJ shrugged. “It was a damn good job for a fresh-out-of-college researcher. I didn't realize my personal politics and his would end up being at odds. On the other hand, Michael…I'm not sure how my personal life or beliefs are relevant. Is this a condition of employment?”
Michael grinned and leaned forward, his elbows on the table. “Nope. Remind me to keep you and Liz separated. She heads everything related to company policy and management. She would likely eviscerate me for even bringing it up. All right, so I have your resume, my private research into your work projects at Marker, and Graeme's observations of you during the Anderson kidnapping. I'm interested, but I want to know who else you're talking with and who's seen your tracker.”
It was RJ's turn to lean back and study the other man. Unless he was reading the situation very badly, he was going to get a job offer before the conversation was over. At RJ's request, the interview was more than a week later than originally scheduled. He'd needed the time to get his thoughts in order, to make sure he could return to Phoenix after everything that had happened. Not employment-wise. If Michael didn't offer him a job, he was confident enough in his abilities and the product he'd designed to know he would get an offer somewhere. No, he was much more concerned with how to deal with the emotional void left in the aftermath of the brief time he'd spent with Grant and Patti.
Before he'd arrived for their little reunion, he'd spent months—years—trying to convince himself that their experiences in college could be filed under youthful experimentation. Ménage was nothing to be repeated and certainly not a way people lived on a permanent basis. Then his first night here in town, before they'd learned about Annie, RJ sat through drinks and guiltily hoped that he and Patti could at least still have a chance. Until she couldn't stop talking about Grant and he'd realized that even after all these years she was still in love with their former lover.
After their time together, both during the kidnapping and the time they'd spent in Sedona, the truth of the situation…of his life…became crystal clear. RJ Mendez had been lying to himself for over a decade. He was in love with two people. And there just was no place to put that in the real world, was there?
So, he'd had a week to know this shit-or-get-off-the-pot moment was coming and he'd separated the decision into two distinct concerns. If he was unable to spend the future with the people he loved, then his personal life would never be right again, no matter where he worked, no matter where he lived. So removing that as a consideration, he had to focus on the professional aspect of his life now. And having seen on a very up close and personal level the scope of services offered, there was no place he'd rather be than Enwright Security.
As if he'd been following RJ's inner dialog, Michael reached a hand out and squeezed his arm, drawing his attention back to the present.
“How are you really doing, RJ? Are you sure you're ready for this discussion yet?” Michael asked.
“Sorry, it's been a long week. I'm not talking with anyone else and I won't unless you tell me you're not interested. I'm not a game player in that sense. You want top designed simulations and product development, then I'm your man.”
Michael studied him for a long moment, then smiled, as if pleased by RJ’s response. “Did you clear your calendar for the day? As I said on the phone, there are some things I need to show you.”
“Sure. I'm all yours.”
“Good, let's go for a ride. We can talk more in the car.” Michael stood, and moved quickly, as if afraid RJ would change his mind. He grabbed his keys and a gym bag from the side of his desk. “Let's go.”
Blinking in surprise at the swift change in conversational direction, RJ asked, “Where are we headed?”
“A company picnic of sorts. I think it's only fair to let you see what you're letting yourself in for if you accept a position with Enwright Security.”
Chapter Twenty-one
After a teeth-rattling three miles on the washboard surface of a dirt road, Grant heaved a huge sigh of relief as the shake roof of their destination came in to view. Gabe hadn't been kidding when he'd told him it was out of the way. Sill, he had to admit, leaving the heat of the valley to spend a day in Flagstaff was an excellent idea. The road was cut through part of Coconino National Forest, and tall ponderosa pines towered on either side. Grant couldn't hold back the gasp when he got to the final curve that opened into one of the most beautiful settings he'd ever seen. It was as if he'd entered a private wonderland. As directed, he passed the first two smaller roads that were posted with cabin numbers. The main road curved around a large Tudor-style inn and led to the back of the property where he located the covered picnic pavilion and playground that was his final destination.
A few cars were parked in the designated spaces, but not nearly as many as he'd anticipated. Hadn't Gabe said this was an Enwright company picnic?
He opened the car door, and stretched his long legs, filling his lungs with the warm aroma of pine on a summer day. A sleepy voice from the back seat made him smile.
“Are we there yet?” Annie asked.
He opened her door and unbuckled her from the booster seat. “We're here, sweetheart. And look, baby, there's a swing set and…” He lifted her from her seat and set her on the ground. Pointing to where two dark haired girls played on a slide, he said, “I think those girls over there look like they might want to play with you.”
Annie shook her head and squeezed his hand in a death grip. His heart constricted. She had never been a clingy child before. Gabe was right, she needed to be back around others…in limited doses. He squeezed her hand back. “Why don't you stay with me for a little bit and we can look around. Then you can go play if you want to.” They'd been walking hand in hand toward the small group of people gathered around a grill on the other side of the pavilion. His attention had been focused on his daughter, so when she gave a gasp and released his hand, he froze in place, quickly looking for any danger.
“Patti!” Annie's cry was sharp, then she was running straight toward the woman who held a piece of his heart.
Patti lowered herself to kneel on the ground, stretched her arms wide and waited with a smile on her face and tears in her eyes. When Annie crashed into her, she wrapped his daughter up tight, and together they rocked from side to side. Patti stroked Annie's hair, whispering that everything was going to be all right. When Annie started to cry, Patti pulled back, cupped her face, and with her thumbs, wiped the tears from Annie's cheeks.
“I-I-I thought you were in heaven with my mommy,” Annie sobbed.
There was a commotion behind him, but he didn't turn away until a hand gripped his arm. He glanced over and met Gabe's steady gaze. “It's okay, Grant.” The tone was reassuring, as if he sensed Grant’s desperate worry to do the right thing for his daughter.
Looking back, he saw her little body shake with the effort to draw a deep breath. “You and RJ…I thought you were…” Her words were lost as she started to cry even harder. Grant’s heart shattered into a million pieces as he realized his efforts to protect his daughter had very likely been the cause of every one of her tears…every nightmare.
A familiar gasp drew his attention to his immediate left. RJ was standing right next to him, watching the scene unfold. His normally bronze skin had an unhealthy grayish tint and deep lines scored his forehead. His worried expression looked like Grant felt.
“Oh, Jesus. What do I do?” RJ asked, sounding near tears himself.
Suddenly, the answer seemed to fill Grant’s heart and he didn't need to look b
ack at Gabe to know what the right thing was for Annie.
“We go to them,” he whispered. Taking RJ's hand, he tugged, and together they crossed the short distance to Patti and Annie. Grant swallowed around his own tears and spoke in a voice so scratchy he hoped he could be understood. “Annie, baby, don't cry. RJ's right here, too. RJ and Patti are both here…everything is going to be okay.”
****
RJ sat on the picnic table, his feet on the bench, elbows propped on his knees. Michael Enwright sat next to him in nearly an identical position, fingers sliding absently over an envelope clasped loosely in his hand. Although Michael had asked to speak with him, so far they'd just been sitting there saying nothing. Watching. Waiting.
It had taken nearly thirty minutes to calm Annie down, but as Gabe had explained, the catharsis was good for all of them. Given any choice in the matter, RJ would have bundled Patti, Grant, and Annie into the car and taken all of them somewhere private.
With Gabe's quiet guidance, the adults were encouraged to ease Annie into playing with two little girls. Now, several hours later, the children were playing some intricate version of tag. Near as he could tell, the rules involved freezing the grown-ups in place, usually in ridiculous poses, while Gabe's lover Uriah chased the girls. He was sort of fuzzy on the whole freeze and thaw bit, but if the squeals and laughter were any indication, no one much cared abut the rules.
After clearing his throat, RJ broke the silence between them. “Obviously, Enwright Security is far more advanced in covert operations than I suspected, judging from the elaborate planning that occurred to bring us all here.” He glanced over at Michael and caught a small smile.
“What?” RJ demanded.
“The Enwright employee who planned this doesn't have anything to do with the security end of our business. But Dr. Gabriel is a damned soft touch. Just don't tell him I said so.”